FAQs

Pre-Apprenticeship Program FAQs

Q. What is the Pre-Apprenticeship program at Diablo Valley College (DVC)?

A. The Pre-Apprenticeship program is designed with the career-focused student in mind!
This fast paced program puts students on track for a career in the building trades.
Students will receive the training they need for a new and exciting career in a number
of apprenticeship programs, including:

Electrician

Carpenter

Plumber

Laborer

Ironworker

Steamfitting

Pipefitting

And more!

Q. Who can participate in DVC's Pre-Apprenticeship program?

A. ANYDVC student looking to fast track their way into a career in the building trades can
participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship program at DVC! All we ask is that you treat
this program as you would any job, and you will undoubtedly find success in a long
and satisfying career in the building trades. Our faculty is here to make sure that
you are successful!

Q. Why would I want to participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship program?

A. We know that the "traditional" college experience is not for everyone, and this program
is an excellent choice for those seeking a different path to starting their career.
Whether you are a student that wants to switch into a career-technical field, someone
looking to earn a living wage (and more!) in a new industry, or looking to brush up
on your skills to gain entry into an apprenticeship program - DVC's Pre-Apprenticeship
program can help you achieve your goals!

Q. What types of skills will I learn that will help me find the right job for me?

A. Our Preapprenticeship students will learn many skills required to apply for, interview,
and gain entry into an apprenticeship trade or entry-level position with a variety of companies. Students will:

Experience hands-on training opportunities

Preview and learn more about the construction industry

Acquire points toward entry into apprenticeship trades

Prepare for entrance exams

Learn basic safety techniques

Work with hand and power tools

Receive training on industry recognized employability skills

Cover basic math competencies for their trade

Q. When are Pre-Apprenticeship courses offered?

A. Courses are offered both day and evening. Most courses are full-term, though some
are offered in a short-term format. For more information on course offerings (potential)
students are encouraged to refer to the class schedule, the DVC website, or contact
the program lead (Joe Valdez) via email at jvaldez@dvc.edu - or contact the Counseling Office in the Student Services Center for additional
education planning and support.

Q. How long does the program take to complete?

A. The Pre-Apprenticeship Program may be completed in the spring term and some classes
may be taken in the Fall term.

Q. Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the program?

A. No, completion of the program does not guarantee job placement for any student.
However, upon successful completion you may be eligible to receive priority status
into the Carpenter Training Committee for the Northern California Pre-Apprenticeship
program.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Currently tuition is $46.00 per unit, and the program totals 21.8 units of study.
Financial aid may be available for qualified students. Please contact the Office of
Financial Aid in the Student Services Center for more information.

Q. What other costs are involved?

A. The cost of books for the program averages about $400 and students who park on campus
must purchase a parking permit for the term which currently costs $40. Students also
need a calculator and general school supplies amounting to about $50. Students may
be eligible for financial aid to cover these expenses. The program may also have books
to loan. Check with the program director for further information.

Q. How do I know what math and English course to choose?

A. By taking the math and English assessments though the DVC Assessment Center you will learn the correct level math and English for you.

Q. Can I take just a few of the classes or do all classes need to be taken at once?

A. The Pre-apprenticeship CAA is a learning community or cohort where the same group
of students take all the same classes during the semester. Students are advised to
enroll in all classes, since they are only offered each spring.

Q. What if I don’t complete the program all at once? Will I still get college credit
for the classes I did complete?

A. Yes, you will get college credit for the classes you pass.

Q. What is a Career Advancement Academy?

A. A Career Advancement Academy consists of courses that all program students take
together. Learning as a group helps students succeed. The Pre-apprenticeship spring
2016 classes include:

Construction Job Site Training CONST-215Job Search Strategies CARER-140Orientation to College COUNS-095Survey of the Trades CONST-105Students may take all or most of their classes together in a peer learning community.
Math and English basic skills classes teach concepts and materials used in industry.

More questions? Contact the program lead, Joe Valdez, at jvaldez@dvc.edu